National Security Policy

NISP is under discussion in the Parliament after formal nod from the Federal Cabinet.National Counter-terror Authority has been assigned pivotal role in this document. The NACTA ACT 2013 was hurriedly passed by the previous Parliament. This law envisages appointment of a senior Police Officer or Bureaucrat in B-22, in consultation with stakeholders, to head the counter-terror Authority. Unfortunately, the PPP Government as well as the PML-N government have not been able to find a suitable counter-terror expert for the slot. This shows the indifference of our rulers towards terrorism.The appointment of staff in NACTA also lacks transparency. It is widely known that NACTA is an extension of Interior Division from day one.The management of NACTA should not be left to civilian bureaucrats.ASGHAR MAHMOOD, Islamabad, March 1.